Fish & Chips Cravings - Te Aro Fish Supplies Ltd

Since I've been in New Zealand, I've been told that one of the food highlights here is fish and chips. People have been telling me that New Zealand has amazing fish and chips!

 I wont deny it, because the first meal I had in New Zealand, Auckland to be precise, was fish and chips. I had it in a regular food court at Sylvia Park, during a transit wait, before flying to Wellington.

Since then, I've been craving for a good plate of fish and chips in Wellington.
 At first, finding proper places for it in Wellington isn't as easy as I thought. It didn't help that most food reviews or websites weren't helping, some even leave out business hours. So, there were a couple of times when Doug and I walked to the shop, only to find out that it was closed. Definitely a "GRAH!!!" or "FFFUUUUU" moment.

We did our fair share of research and found a couple of fish and chips outlets in Wellington. One of them is Te Aro Fish Supplies Ltd, at Aro Valley. I was also recommended by a classmate that this was the place to get good fish and chips.

I found it to be a quaint little stand-alone shop on the street, next to a bakery and opposite a cafe. (First picture above) 

However, it didn't look like it was open. Doug and I glanced at the piece of paper that listed the business hours of the shop, and it was supposed to be open at 1pm, on a Saturday. Deciding to wait around for fish and chips anyway, we had coffee at the bakery and waited till the fish and chips shop opened.. which was at 1.30pm.

Tsk. Being hungry and having the time of the month when I hate being a girl is definitely sucked. Well, at least it was open!

They don't just sell fish and chips. Heaps of other things too.

We got a set of fish & chips each, which was $6. 

We were served within 10 minutes, with a massive serving of fish and chips each.

Wrapped in a few layers of brown paper and it felt really warm. I was so excited! 

Look and STARE at it.

This was what I was greeted with after unwrapping the "parcel".

I know, for one, that my dad (if you're reading this post now, BE JEALOUS),
 would kill for this generous amount of chips and huge portion of fish. Everything was so golden and lovely!

The place is run by a Chinese man, who was really friendly with us and spoke Mandarin to Doug, both of them chatting away happily. I just stared and smiled cos my Mandarin wasn't that great. Haha I'm an embarrassment.

Anyway, this place was  a takeaway shop, thus there was no proper tables and chairs, except a bench outside. I thought the whole setting of the fish and chips shop looked pretty cute though. Hehe.

So! If you are in Wellington and as lost as I still am, here's one place for fish and chips! But my advice is to eat it fast because it gets soggy quickly. 

Te Aro Fish Supplies Ltd

Business hours :

Monday - Closed

Tuesday - Thursday ; 1pm - 9.30pm

Friday ; 1 - 10.30pm

Saturday ; 1pm - 9.30pm

Sunday ; 5pm - 9.30pm

Address:

85 Aro St

Aro Valley

Telephone:

04-3858306

Ps. Doug and I had gone home with our fish and chips, eating while watching Kung Fu Hustle in English. I still can't believe we finished an entire Chinese movie in English. Haha!! I've never heard Stephen Chow sound so weird in my entire life!

Time for my tutorial. Mondays hate me.

xxx 

Ashley Mah

Food Review : Royal Flush Restaurant

Chinese New Year is in a week's time!

 Last week, I've been to the Royal Flush Restaurant, which is located at Ara Damansara with the other bloggers for a Lou Sang dinner. 

To be in the CNY/Chinese/Asian mood, I have made myself more Asian by putting my hair into a tiny knot bun sitting on top of my head.

I kinda like the whole buns + bangs combination. :)

Above is their Chinese New Year menu.

 

Cheers!

Myself, Sarah, Louise, Kelly and Tim Chew. 

All my dai kah cheh's all in one room! Except Tim, of course.

Malaysia's Hottest Bloggers were given one huge private room to fit about 20 plus girls? Imagine how noisy it was! Heh heh

Karen, Naomi, myself and Sarah

Kay and I! She always looks so flawless.

With Wilee & Jia Yeen.

For starters, we had these interesting looking sticks served in wine glasses. They are actually salmon flakes wrapped in wanton skin, deep fried. Crunchy and tasty, they make a nice appetizer to kick start a meal!

After which, we were served Grilled Cod fish served with onion rings. The fish was nicely done, not overcooked, which was nice. The onion rings could be crispier though, in my opinion .

The Dim Sum combination of fishball, siew mai and xiao long bao, which are savory Chinese delicacies. Small and bite-sized. Dim Sum makes good breakfast too! One of my favorites, actually, as I'm not a big eater.

Twin Cold Combination, which comprised of a dried oyster and sliced abalones on top of cucumbers topped with cherry tomatoes. Not really a fan of dried oysters though.

 

Grilled Scallop Bacon, which is a scallop wrapped in bacon. Also, served with cucumbers and cherry tomatoes. A very small and petite dish, though a bit on the salty side.

Here's a palette cleanser and eye candy! 

Grilled Pork Ribs, baby! A combination of savory and sweet, it kind of tasted like the grilled cod earlier but it's yummier, with the tender meat and the layer of fat (#sorrydiet).

Crunchy asparagus garnished with Bonito flakes.

 Every meal should have a rice dish!

 Above is abalone fried rice, served with abalone and bacon bits for that extra flavour in your mouth.

As for dessert, double boiled Bird's Nest - a nourishing tradition. It is known to be rich in nutrients, which are traditionally believed to provide health benefits. On top of that, it's yummy too. It is a sweet Chinese delicacy, and the texture of bird's nest is like jelly.

"Lou Sang"! 

It is also known as the Prosperity Toss, also known as "Yu Sheng" and "Lo Hei".

It consists of raw salmon, mixed with shredded vegetables and a variety of sauces and condiments, and other ingredients. The "Lou Sang" is considered a symbol of abundance, prosperity and vigor. I thought the one at this restaurant was quite tasty.

Probably the loudest Lou Sang, in the universe! 20+ gals tossing the Lou Sang up and down until it became slighty soggy (but still nice to eat), while screaming in excitement.

 I'm sure the gentlemen in the room had gone at least half deaf and the people in the other private rooms must have heard us gone wild over the Lou Sang!

I think what was special about this place was the settings and the ambiance. You really feel like you're in olden China. As you can see, the restaurant is decked with red colored lanterns and chinese-y furniture. 

When I got to Oasis Square, it was hard not to miss the restaurant because of its distinctive Chinese roof and red walls!

Notice all the guys in the front row are bald? Hee.

Ps. Wasn't well that night, had a bad gastric attack and everything went blurry after that. Blacked out due to low blood pressure, gastric and stress.I've had better nights, seriously.
 Thanks to all my jiejie's who were concerned and took care of me, Andy for carrying me to the car and Tim for sending me back safely. :)

Royal Flush

Central Piazza, Oasis Square Ara Damansara,

No. 2, Jalan PJU 1A/7A ,

47301 Petaling Jaya,

Selangor,

Malaysia. 

Phone: 012-2997598 

For more info head over to  https://www.facebook.com/theroyalflushmalaysia

More photos at https://www.facebook.com/myhotbloggers

Photos courtesy of Andy Kho.

xxx 

Ashley Mah

Monologue : First things first

I've never been this exhausted since the Malaysian Latin Dance Championships 2012. I've just finished rushing my paperwork and applications for my tertiary studies in New Zealand, next month. 

In the process, I got a little too stressed out and had passed out from gastric pains yesterday night during a Chinese New Year dinner with the MHB bloggers at The Royal Flush (look out for my post on that event!). Thanks to those who asked how I am and who helped take care of me that night! 

Having sealed envelopes and finalizing things, I can now sleep peacefully at night.

I had gone to Wisma Putra early this morning to get my Letter of Good Conduct done. Also been asked several times if the person in my passport picture was me. Are you kidding me? I'm not sure if I am me? -_____-  Moving on, I'm glad I got it all done in an hour or less.

 Everyday is a countdown now. My dear friends have been trying to get as much of my time as possible, to hang out and spend the day with me before I leave for NZ. It's less than a month! I'm trying to spend as much time as possible, with the person who will miss me (and me, her) the most... my baby sister. Things are gonna pass so quickly and before I know it, I'm already strutting  around in my new windbreaker and ugg boots in Wellington!

How could this not look like me! Tsk. Maybe it's the bangs..

 
Anyway, Kelly Siew and Frank had treated me to a birthday lunch last Sunday at Sid's Pub at TTDI. I had to say, best pub grub I've had yet! Did you know, that Sid's was awarded Time out KL Best Pub Grub 2012?

I had always been curious about the food at Sid's as I don't usually have my meals at pubs or bars. So, I've been asking Kelly alot about it. Good thing she and Frank were there with me, and Kim too. We knew we were in good hands!

You'd probably go into a food coma, as Frank says, after our string of large orders. Haha!

Blue Cheese Mushrooms, RM16.
Mushroom served in cream and blue cheese. Good for sharing!

Pork Burger, RM26, with egg and cheese.
The patty for this one was pretty good and the cheese was just yummers! If you're a small eater like me, just one burger like this would be enough to last me from morning right up till dinner!
  

Cod & chips, RM32.
This one was a winner! All of us loved the cod. The texture was just right, and it was served with peas on the side. I usually hate peas.. but these peas were darn good. Also, we changed the chips to mashed potatoes.

Sunday Roast, RM36, which includes soup.

We had chosen lamb, but there's an option for beef as well. The portion is HUGE. Good thing there were a few of us to finish it up. In my opinion, the meat was a little bit on the tough side. However, the marination was superb and the smell of lamb wasn't overpowering (not like the Morrocan lamb meatballs I had at Plan B).

Edible veges! I love them, very Ashley-friendly. Heheh

A picture of half-eaten Peas & Ham Soup. Again, hate peas. But peas at Sid's are pretty awesome! First time having pea soup.

Really enjoyed my meal at Sid's. For me, I found it rather cosy on a late Sunday afternoon to have super late lunch, like we did, and drinks. I'd definitely come here again, to try more of their stuff on the menu. I heard it gets really happening on weekend nights!

Sid's Pub TAMAN TUN DR ISMAIL
34 Lorong Rahim Kajai 14,
TTDI, Kuala Lumpur 60000.
Tel: +603-7727 7437

xxx 

Ashley Mah

My Holly Jolly Christmas (2012)

Have you guys had a good Christmas?

Well, it still is the Christmas season... technically because there are 12 days of Christmas. I think I've had one of the best Christmases so far, last year. It was a no-stress, relaxing and fun Christmas, probably the most time I've spent with my family instead of running off elsewhere to do other things. 

Holiday season is the time to spend with family, in my opinion. The past few years, I didn't know how to appreciate and really enjoy family time without having something or someone else in my mind. This year was just perfect! Mom and dad were on holiday, so was Kim and all of us had a nice time this Christmas.

My family would go for Christmas Eve mass the night before, have a grand supper after that, and wishing each other at midnight. It's a thing we do every year. 

The next day, we'd have Christmas lunch, of course. Dad took us to this place called the Bavarian Bierhaus at Wisma UOA, in town. German food instead of the usual Western lunch.. Family gets to have a truckload of pork and no cooking for lunch which means giving the kitchen and mom a rest. Win-win situation. Just kidding about the truckload part.

 

It was a quiet place in Wisma UOA, though I was expecting to see the place packed. Traffic in town was pretty smooth in the afternoon too. Probably everyone went out of town. *thumbs up*

I was told that this place had really good pork knuckles. Plus, I thought I did a little review on this place too. :)

 

Cafe Latte, RM9

Pork Tortilla Chips, RM 16

Bavarian Platter, RM75

Authentic Mixed German Sausages, RM80, perfect for sharing, because the servings here are HUGE. 

Crispy Knuckle, RM68

 All that yummy food! People must've thought we were a crazy family because of all the huge portions of food on our table. Haha we ended up taking away half the food anyway, because we ate till we were stuffed. When Kim and dad admit defeat, it really means that we've had A LOT of food. Saved the rest for dinner. Hehe

I thought the restaurant was rather quaint and had pretty good food, and you do get what you pay for - it is worth the money. It's waaay better than Brussels.

OOTD - Mostly everything was bought in SG, except my Valentino handbag. :) Still very much in love... with my C&K boots!

 

At night, it was all laughter and good food with some very special people who came over to make Christmas all the merrier.

Christmas is my most favorite festive day! Followed by Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day (which isn't really a holiday..hehe). Birthdays don't count. 

So what's your favorite festive day/ holiday/celebration?

xxx 

Ashley Mah